Coconut shavings: benefits and harms to the body

What is coconut, if not every first, then every second person knows. The flesh of this amazing nut has long been used not only as an independent food product, but also as the basis for the preparation of other raw materials, including coconut flakes. It is produced by grinding and subsequent drying of coconut pulp and is a granular white groats. It has an amazing, mild taste and many useful properties, which allows you to use it for the preparation of many culinary dishes, including salads, meat, pastries, side dishes.

Types and varieties of coconut flakes

Despite the wide distribution of this product, few people know that not all chopped coconut flesh is equally useful. There are several varieties of coconut flakes, each of which has its own characteristics and distinctive characteristics that should be paid attention to. This is especially important if the purpose of acquiring this product is to obtain not only gastronomic pleasure, but also the maximum benefit that will manifest itself after prolonged consumption.

Specialists divide coconut flakes into several varieties:

1. Fine This grade of coconut flakes is considered the most useful, since in the process of its manufacture the maximum amount of useful substances that are contained in coconut is preserved. However, this is far from its only difference from other varieties. In the manufacture of Fine, coconut pulp is ground very finely, which allows you to maintain the maximum amount of fat and a pleasant coconut taste.
2. Medium Medium contains fewer nutrients than Fine. This is easily explained by the fact that during its preparation, the flesh of the coconut is not rubbed so much.
3. Coarse. This variety of coconut flakes is considered the least useful, since during its preparation the pulp is rubbed very roughly.

Composition and calorie content

Experts agree that coconut flakes, made in accordance with all standards, without the use of sweeteners, food colors and other additives, is one of the most useful products. This opinion is based on the composition of the presented product. The thing is that natural coconut flakes contain a huge amount of nutrients. 100 g of coconut contains:

• 23.65 g of carbohydrates;
• 64.53 g of fat;
• 6.88 g of protein;
• 3 g of water;
• 1.94 g of ash;
• 7.4 g sugars;
• 16.3 g of fiber.

Many of the beneficial properties of coconut are attributed to the high content of vitamins in this product. In its 100 g there is:

• 0.4 mg of vitamin E (3% of the daily intake);
• 9 mcg of vitamin B9 (2.3% of the daily intake);
• 0.3 mcg of vitamin K (0.3% of the daily intake);
• 0.3 mg of vitamin B6 (23.1% of the daily intake);
• 1.5 mg of ascorbic acid (1.7% of the daily intake);
• 0.8 mg of vitamin B5 (16% of the daily intake);
• 0.1 mg of vitamin B1 (5% of the daily intake);
• 22.1 mg of vitamin B4 (4.4% of the daily intake);
• 0.1 mg of vitamin B2 (7.7% of the daily intake);
• 0.6 mg of vitamin B3 (3.8% of the daily intake).

In addition to fat-soluble and water-soluble vitamins, coconut flakes contain many micro and macro elements. In 100 g of product:

• 26 mg of calcium (2.6% of the daily intake);
• 18.5 μg of selenium (33.6% of the daily norm);
• 3.3 mg of iron (33.2% of the daily norm);
• 2.7 mg of manganese (119.3% of the daily norm);
• 90 mg of magnesium (22.5% of the daily intake);
• 0.8 mg of copper (88.4% of the daily norm);
• 206 mg of phosphorus (29.4% of the daily norm);
• 2 mg of zinc (18.3% of the daily intake);
• 543 mg of potassium (11.6% of the daily norm);
• 37 mg of sodium (2.8% of the daily norm).

Calorie content of coconut flakes is quite high. 100 g of this product contains 660 kcal, which significantly exceeds the calorie content of the coconut itself and can speak of its high nutritional value.

What is useful coconut shavings

General benefit

Since the composition of coconut flakes is quite rich, experts talk about this product as one of the most useful. With its regular use, there is not only an improvement in the general condition of the human body, but also other positive changes:

1. Removal of accumulated toxins and toxins. Dietary fiber, which is part of this product, helps cleanse the body of substances that adversely affect the functioning of all internal organs and systems.
2. Increased immunity. Due to the saturation of the human body with vitamin C, which can be seen in the composition of coconut flakes, and its purification from toxins and toxins, an increase in immunity is noted. This property is especially important for those people who suffer from frequent colds.
3. Improving well-being with colds and urological diseases. Due to antioxidant, antibacterial and other properties, this product is able to alleviate the condition of a person suffering from colds, urological diseases, as well as otitis media and influenza.
4. Elimination of bad cholesterol. Lauric acid, which is present in coconut, contributes to the rapid removal of bad cholesterol, which in turn helps to significantly reduce the risk of developing many cardiovascular diseases.
5. Increased physical and mental activity. The substances contained in this product have a beneficial effect on the entire body, increasing the physical and mental activity of a person, which is most important for people leading an active lifestyle.
6. Improving metabolism. Dietary fiber and other substances contained in coconut flakes have beneficial effects on all organs of the gastrointestinal tract, improving metabolism and preventing the development of a number of diseases.
7. Saturation of the body with vitamins. Vitamins E, K, C and B, regularly ingested in the human body, will help prevent the development of vitamin deficiency.
8. Increased visual acuity. As you know, vitamin A has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the organs of vision, helping to prevent the deterioration of its severity.
9. Increased hemoglobin. The iron content in this product explains its ability to increase hemoglobin, preventing the development of anemia.
10. Improving the psycho-emotional state. Magnesium, which can be seen in the chemical composition of this product, is able to have a positive effect on the functioning of the central nervous system, which helps reduce stress and improve the emotional state of a person.

Based on the above facts, it is safe to say that coconut flakes should be present in the diet of each person. An exception to this rule are only those cases when the consumption of this product can provoke a number of negative reactions.

For women

According to experienced therapists, coconut and its derivatives, including shavings, can have a unique effect on the fair half of humanity. With regular use of this product, women note an improvement in the condition of the skin.Moreover, he is able to not only improve skin color and relieve minor inflammation, but also slow down the aging process, as well as improve cell regeneration.

In addition, the systematic consumption of this product will help significantly reduce the risk of developing cancer, suppressing the multiplication of cancer cells and osteoporosis, which women face more often than men. However, these are far from all the beneficial properties of coconut flakes. Experts note that women who have this product in their daily diet are less likely to suffer:

• from urological diseases;
• neurosis;
• Depression
• insomnia
• vitamin deficiency;
• pathologies caused by hormonal disorders;
• obesity.

Given all these facts, coconut can be called the best product to preserve female beauty and health.

For men

This product is no less useful for representatives of the strong half of humanity. Its introduction to the daily diet will help:

• increase potency;
• reduce the risk of genitourinary diseases;
• increase physical activity, which is most important for hard-working men;
• significantly reduce the risks of developing diseases of the cardiovascular system;
• align the hormonal background.

In addition, this product is recommended for use by those men who are overweight. Thanks to the ability to accelerate metabolic processes, it will help to quickly get rid of extra pounds, without harming the body losing weight.

During pregnancy

Doctors do not exclude the consumption of coconut during childbearing, but only if the future mother has not noticed symptoms of individual intolerance to this product. In the absence of an allergic reaction, coconut flakes can saturate the body of a pregnant woman with a large number of useful substances that will help:

1. Prevent the development of iron deficiency anemia.
2. Improve the immune system, reducing the risk of colds and many other diseases.
3. To reduce the likelihood of developing depression, the occurrence of insomnia and other negative manifestations associated with disorders in the central nervous system.

The substances contained in this product can also have a beneficial effect on the child. With the systematic consumption of coconut, the likelihood of developing congenital diseases is reduced, the child’s bone system is formed correctly, the risks of pathologies associated with a lack of vitamins and minerals are reduced to zero.

When breastfeeding

This unique product is not prohibited during breastfeeding. However, so that its effect on the body of a lactating woman and a child is extremely positive, it is recommended that you consult with your pediatrician before introducing it into your daily diet. Only a qualified specialist will be able to assess the appropriateness of its use and the allowable daily allowance.

For kids

Children's doctors recommend that young parents introduce coconut into the children's diet not earlier than the child reaches the age of three, and only if there is no individual intolerance to this product. When properly administered, this natural product will help:

1. Saturate the children's body with vitamins and minerals, which are necessary for proper growth and development.
2. Protect the baby from frequent colds and other diseases, increasing the body's resistance to attacking viruses and other pathogenic microorganisms.
3. Prevent thinning of tooth enamel and reduce the likelihood of tooth decay.
4. Strengthen bone tissue.
5. Significantly reduce the risks of developing anemia, the occurrence of which can negatively affect the mental activity of the child.

Despite the many useful properties, the use of this product in excessive quantities can adversely affect the health of the child. Doctors do not recommend giving children more than 100 g of coconut flakes per week. Only in this case, the product can have a beneficial effect on the children's body without harming it.

When losing weight

Despite the high calorie content, nutritionists recommend including this natural product in the daily menu of those people who seek to get rid of extra pounds. Lauric acid and other substances that are contained in coconut, not only help to speed up metabolism, accelerating weight loss, but also saturate the body losing weight with a lot of energy, which is extremely important during the diet.

No less important is the fact that coconut flakes can have a beneficial effect on the functioning of the pancreas, the proper functioning of which helps speed up the process of burning fat cells.

In addition, the use of coconut during the diet will not only help to lose weight, but also have a beneficial effect on the body losing weight:

1. It will prevent the development of vitamin deficiency.
2. Improves the work of the digestive tract.
3. It will remove toxins, toxins and other substances that negatively affect the work of the human body.

Each of these facts suggests that chopped coconut pulp is an ideal product that can accelerate the process of weight loss, without harming human health.

Coconut shavings in medicine

Thanks to its many beneficial properties, chopped coconut flesh is used as a treatment and preventive measure for many dangerous diseases. So, for example, doctors recommend introducing this product into the diet of those patients who suffer from certain diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, including:

• pathologies of the pancreas, proceeding in a mild form;
• chronic gastritis;
• stomach ulcers.

Plant proteins, fatty acids, mineral salts and vitamins that are present in the product will help restore damaged organs and reduce the risk of disease recurrence.

However, it is worth noting the fact that coconut flakes are strictly forbidden to enter into the daily diet of patients suffering from diseases of the gastrointestinal tract in the acute stage. In this case, its consumption can provoke a deterioration in the general condition, increased symptoms and the development of concomitant diseases that will greatly complicate the treatment.

Doctors note that the therapeutic effect of coconut flakes is seen not only in diseases of the digestive tract. It is recommended to include it in the daily menu of those people who suffer:

• from severe vitamin deficiency;
• reduced hemoglobin;
• disorders in the central nervous system;
• heart disease
• diseases during which thinning of the walls of blood vessels is observed;
• obesity.

With proper use of coconut flakes, the product exhibits a mild therapeutic effect and, in combination with medications, can accelerate the healing process during many diseases.

The use of coconut flakes in cosmetology

Shredded flesh of coconut is widely used for the manufacture of home cosmetics, which is easily explained by its rich composition. Cosmetics, which include this product, help to preserve the beauty and health of the skin for many years and stop premature aging.

There are many recipes for face masks based on coconut flakes, but the following options are the most popular and effective:

1. Honey Coconut Mask. Mix 25-30 g of coconut flakes with 10 g of liquid honey and apply the mixture to the face, gently rubbing it into the skin. Soak the mask for about 20 minutes, then rinse with cool water without using soap or other cleansers.
2. Coconut mask with chamomile. Mix 1 tsp. dried chamomile flowers with 1 tspcoconut flakes and 15 g sour cream. Apply the product on the skin of the face, soak for no more than 20 minutes, then rinse with running water at a comfortable temperature.
3. Mask of bananas and coconut. Mix 10 g of shavings and slightly pre-chopped banana puree in any container that is suitable in volume and apply to the skin of the face. Leave the mask on for 15–20 minutes and rinse with clean water.

The amazing properties of coconut allow you to use it as a means to improve the condition of the hair. However, in this case, the ingredient for the preparation of care masks is not coconut, but oil based on it. Make coconut oil and experience the amazing effects of one of these masks:

1. Mix 20 g of coconut oil with 5 g of honey and 3 drops of lavender ether. Apply the resulting mixture to the hair, evenly distributing the mask along their entire length, and leave for 2-3 hours. After the specified time, rinse off the mask in the usual way.
2. Regular use of this product will help strengthen hair and restore lost shine. Mix 1 egg yolk with 100 ml of kefir with a high percentage of fat and 10 g of coconut oil, then apply massage movements to the scalp. Soak the mask for no more than 1 hour, after wrapping your head in a warm towel and rinse with cool water.
3. This mask will save you from such a problem as dandruff and prevent its reappearance. In a small amount of warm coconut oil, add a drop of pink, rosemary and peppermint oils. Mix all the ingredients and apply the mixture to the full length of the hair. Leave the mask for exposure for 1.5 hours, then rinse with the usual shampoo. This tool will help get rid of the oily sheen of hair and accelerate their growth.

Using masks based on coconut derivatives, remember that such cosmetics have a cumulative effect. You can notice it only after several uses.

Harm and contraindications

Despite the fact that coconut flakes contains a huge amount of vitamins, minerals and is considered one of the most useful products, you can not always enter it into the daily menu. Doctors recommend completely abandoning its consumption in case of individual intolerance to coconut and its derivatives, as well as in acute form of pancreatitis, gastritis and other diseases of the digestive tract. Otherwise, there is a risk of further development of pathology, worsening of symptoms and the occurrence of concomitant diseases.

In all other cases, coconut and its derivatives are not able to harm human health. An exception to this rule may be only excessive consumption of the product. Experts do not recommend consuming more than 200 g of coconut flakes per week. Moreover, for children, the weekly intake should be reduced to 100 g.

How to choose and store coconut

It should be noted that the fact that only a high-quality product can provide benefits to the human body. That is why when choosing coconut flakes, you should pay attention to the information that is indicated on the package. When purchasing a product, find out which grade you are buying. Remember that the most useful coconut is Fine. It contains the maximum amount of nutrients and is able to have an invaluable beneficial effect on the human body.

Do not forget to pay attention to the following nuances:

1. Shelf life. Coconut flakes that have expired cannot be used as food.
2. Packaging integrity. Damaged packaging indicates that not only dust could enter the product, but also pathogenic microorganisms that could cause dangerous diseases.
3. Colour. The color of the coconut flakes should be uniform. The presence of dark or yellow grains should cause a refusal to purchase.

We must not forget about the storage standards of the product. Coconut flakes should be stored in a cool dark place.Moreover, if it was bought in a store and opened, it should be placed in a dry container, which can be tightly closed. This will help prevent moisture and odors from entering.

If we talk about the storage of coconut, cooked at home, remember that the shelf life of this product is 12 months from the date of manufacture.

How to make coconut at home

Of course, you can be sure of the naturalness and quality of a product only if it is made independently. This also applies to coconut flakes.

To cook it, you only need:

• Fresh Coconut
• sharp knife;
• a small bowl;
• grater.

Before you start preparing this amazing product, you should go to the nearest store and choose a quality, ripe coconut. To do this, when buying, pay attention to the following nuances:

1. Density. High quality coconut must be hard, without any external defects in the form of cracks or chips.
2. The presence of rot. If even insignificant signs of decay or traces of mold were detected on the surface of the nut, then you should refuse such a purchase. Otherwise, you get coconut that is not suitable for consumption.
3. Dry surface. The surface of the nut must be completely dry. Even small wet spots indicate that the coconut cracked and began to deteriorate.
4. The presence of fluid. Shake the coconut. If liquid splashes inside, it means that you can safely make a purchase.
5. Choosing a quality coconut, you can start cooking coconut. This process consists of several stages:
6. Coconut juice removal. To do this, make a small hole in the nut with a sharp knife and drain the juice into any container that is suitable in size. Strain the resulting liquid through a sieve and use as you wish.
7. Pulp recovery. To extract the flesh from the nut, you need to cut it around the entire circumference, and then remove the white contents.
8. Pulp grinding. The resulting pulp must be grated on a fine grater. To maintain a homogeneous structure, this should be done slowly.

That's all! Coconut flakes are ready to eat. Use it immediately after preparation or dry and store in a clean and dry glass container.

What can be made from coconut flakes: recipes

Due to its taste characteristics, coconut flakes can be used to prepare many dishes. There are many recipes that include this natural product, but the most popular are:

Coconut flavored apple pie

To prepare this dessert, you will need the following ingredients:

• Apples - 2-3 pcs.
• Sugar - 200 g.
• Flour - 200 g.
• Coconut flakes - 100 g.
• Butter - 200 g.
• Chicken eggs - 4 pcs.
• Freshly squeezed lemon juice - 20 ml.
• Powdered Sugar - 20 g.
• Baking soda - 7 g.

Mix the indicated number of eggs with granulated sugar, add the butter, and then grind everything with a spoon until a homogeneous mass is obtained. Add lemon juice, flour, soda, 70 g coconut flakes, 2 grated apples to the resulting mixture and mix the resulting mixture thoroughly.

Lubricate the mold with olive or sunflower oil, place the dough in it. Put sliced ​​apples on top and bake for 30 minutes at 200 degrees Celsius. After the specified time, remove the cake from the oven, sprinkle with the remaining chips and bake for another 10 minutes.

Coconut candy

For the preparation of coconut sweets, the following components are needed:

• Condensed milk - 100 ml.
• Butter - 50 g.
• Almonds or walnuts - 10 pcs.
• Coconut Chips - 80 g

Mix soft butter with the indicated amount of condensed milk and put on low heat. Cook the mixture until the consistency is homogeneous, without forgetting to constantly stir the workpiece. After the mass becomes homogeneous, add 80 g of coconut flakes to it, mix and boil for another 10 minutes.

Remove the workpiece from the heat, cool and leave in the refrigerator for 1.5 hours. After this time, you can start making sweets. Tear off a small amount of the base and, putting the nut inside it, roll into a small ball. When all the balls are ready, sprinkle them with coconut. Serve chilled sweets.

How to make Coconut Milk from Coconut Chips

Another way to use coconut is to make coconut milk.

For this you need only a few ingredients:

• Coconut flakes - 250 g.
• Purified water - 500 ml.

Pour the indicated amount of water into an appropriate sized container and bring it to a boil. Remove water from the fire, add coconut flakes to it and leave to insist for 6-8 hours, covering with a tight lid. After the specified time, grind the resulting mass using an immersion blender. The result should be a slurry of a homogeneous consistency. Strain it several times with a sieve, then using gauze. The liquid obtained after filtration is coconut milk. This drink will be an excellent substitute for cow's milk and will be an ideal option for those people who suffer from lactose intolerance.

Interesting Facts About Coconuts

1. Coconut is not really a nut. Botanists call this fruit “drupes,” and the plant on which it grows is classified as stone fruit.
2. Coconut pulp may be the only food. At the same time, a person who will eat only this product will receive all the substances necessary for the normal functioning of the body.
3. Coconut juice and coconut milk are completely different products.
4. The liquid contained in coconut is completely sterile and can be used as a replacement for saline.
5. Coconut milk has a similar composition to breast milk.

The beneficial properties of coconut flakes indicate that this product should be present in the daily diet of every person. The main thing is to remember that it will be useful only if you use it in moderation.

Photo of Coconut Chips